Preparing Windows and Doors for a Storm When you live in an area that is prone to high winds, securing and preparing your home for these winds can be very beneficial. The most common methods of entry that high winds will take into your home will be through your walls and through your roofs. When a high wind comes through the roof or even through your windows, it can cause damage to your personal property. Often times, high winds come with a large storm and this can be very difficult to deal with if your home is not already prepared to combat storm damage. Start by learning how to recognize that a storm is coming. When you know the signs of a storm, you have to understand how you are going to get your home ready quickly to ensure that your household and your home are safe in the face of a storm.
Watch the Windows When you know that a storm is coming fortifying your windows may be necessary. Shutters can be a great way to protect your windows from storm damage and the shutters will need to fit snugly on your windows to ensure that wind is not going to get to your windows anyways. There are protective coverings that you can buy that are made for homeowners that live in an area that is prone to big storms. If you do not want to purchase the shutters, you may want to build your own out of exterior grade plywood. If you know that a storm is approaching, get home and close up all of your windows. Put your storm shutters up and then you may be able to minimize the chances that the wind will break through your window and send shattered glass and possibly other debris into your home.
Man the Doors Second, if you have doors that you know are in high-wind areas they will need to be secured with bolts. Using heavy duty bolts at the top of the frame and at the floor is necessary to avoid the door being blown open or even the door being broken by the wind. Talk with your hardware store to find the right type of bolts for your door. When you purchase a door, the hardware that comes with the door is often not strong enough to protect your home against the strong winds that can occur during a storm. If you live in an area that is prone to big storms, shop for a pressure or impact rated door that has been designed to provide you with protection against storm damage. This way, you will not have to worry about your door blowing open while you are needing protection from a storm. If a door should blow open in a storm, the pressure changes that the wind can bring may do structural damage to your home or may do damage to your roof. Preparing your home for a storm sooner, rather than later will ensure that you are protected no matter when the storm should arrive and threaten your city or your town.